Being organised is one of the most valuable skills you can master as a young woman. It can boost productivity, reduce stress, and bring structure to your life, enabling you to approach it with confidence. Whether you're job hunting or navigating the early stages of your career, this article will help you build strong organisational habits that set you up for success.
Why Organisational Skills Matter
Being organised isn’t just about ticking things off a list; it’s about finding ways to stay on top of your daily tasks. It helps you manage your work and home life, achieve long-term goals, and approach each day with a sense of calm and purpose.
From creating effective routines to managing time and setting healthy boundaries, these tips will empower you to make the most of each day—on your own terms.
1. Have a Plan
The first step to becoming organised is having a clear vision of what you want to achieve, whether that’s finding a new job, upskilling in your field, or getting to the gym three times a week. Identify your priorities at work and at, home and focus on the tasks that align with your long-term goals. Create a daily or weekly plan and make sure it's achievable.
Planning with intention ensures you’re not just busy but making meaningful progress toward what matters most.
2. Make a List
Writing things down is essential for staying organised. It helps you remember important tasks and frees up space in your mind. Use a notebook to create separate to-do lists for work and home, and track deadlines so you know what to prioritise. Enjoy the accomplishment of crossing items off as you complete them.
Remember, your list is a tool and not a source of stress. If something doesn’t get done today, move it to tomorrow.
3. Protect Your Time
Blocking time in your calendar for important tasks is an effective way to stay organised. Whether it’s 30 minutes to catch up on emails or an afternoon of focused project work, carving out time boosts productivity and minimises distractions. Set designated times for meetings at times that work best for you.
By setting your own schedule, you can prevent feeling overwhelmed. Your time is precious, and you have the right to protect it.
4. Take Regular Breaks
Work is important, but so are you. You can’t give it your all if you’re not well rested. Regular breaks are essential to maintaining productivity and creativity. Schedule short breaks throughout your workday, whether it’s a five-minute stretch or a walk outside. This will help you to recharge and return to your tasks with renewed focus.
If you’re working from home, get outside regularly to prevent feeling ‘always on’. Rest isn’t a reward; it’s a necessity.
5. Establish Your Boundaries
Boundaries are essential for a healthy work-life balance. Whether it’s saying no to non-essential meetings or setting a no-contact policy outside of work hours, establish clear boundaries and stick to them. This protects your energy and peace of mind.
When you’re not working, make sure you’re fully off. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for your well-being.
6. Be Consistent
Consistency is the backbone of staying organised. Developing routines helps you stay on track and manage your time more effectively. Start each day by reviewing your tasks and end it by planning for tomorrow. Building reliable habits keeps you grounded and ensures that if things get hectic, you remain in control.
Consistency doesn’t happen overnight, it takes effort. Try putting your plan for today and tomorrow in writing to help you stick to it.
7. Set Realistic Goals
One of the biggest challenges to staying organised is feeling overwhelmed by big goals. Break your larger goals down into smaller, actionable tasks. Focus on one step at a time and celebrate each achievement. Every small win moves you closer to the bigger picture.
Have you heard of SMART goals? By making your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound, you’re more likely to achieve them.
8. Stay Flexible
Life can be unpredictable, and plans change all the time. Organisation isn’t about rigidity—it’s about adaptability. If things don’t go as planned, adjust your schedule without guilt. Flexibility is one of your greatest strengths, so embrace it when things shift unexpectedly.
Don’t waste your energy on things you can’t control. Focus on your own schedule, and how you will rise to each challenge.
9. Reflect and Adjust
At the end of each week, take a moment to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Learning from your experiences allows you to fine-tune your approach and continue growing. Organisation is a journey, not a destination, and it evolves with you.
Journalling is a great form of personal reflection. It gets your thoughts down on paper and makes for a healthy morning or bedtime routine.
10. Celebrate Your Progress
It’s easy to focus on what’s next without recognising how far you’ve come. Take time to celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Acknowledging your achievements keeps you motivated and reminds you of the hard work you’ve put in.
By adopting these strategies, you’re not just becoming more organised—you’re claiming your right to a life that aligns with your goals, values, and dreams. Stay intentional, stay flexible, and remember—you have the power to shape your future, one step at a time.
Are you ready to test out your skills in a new role? Take a look and apply for your next opportunity here.
